Revolutionary War Soldier’s pewter mess plate, typical 18th, and early 19th century

This is another nice piece being offered, it is an early pewter mess plate. It has a 9” diameter and crudely marked on the bottom is “EG / ES / EP”, probably done by a soldier. There are examples of this plate in the “Collectors Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution (see pictures).

Pewter plates been around for hundreds of years. Being that they did not wear out, most households in the 18th and 19th centuries would have them. When a soldier went off to serve in the Revolutionary War, a plate such as this would have been practical, because of the size, and it would not break. To some extent, their use would continue into the Civil War.

This plate shows years of honest wear, but it is in very nice condition. There is a similar example in a mess kit at the Smithsonian Museum (see pictures). It would go well in a camp scene or with a display of a soldier’s personal effects.